Chapter 442: Performance (1/2)

Nathan walked towards the main hall, careful not to attract any unnecessary attention.

They were supposed to check the notice board at least once at noon and once after dinner, just in case something came up.

For two weeks already he had participated in the strewn together lessons this organization provided. The teachers certainly had charisma and power to boot but the topics they were talking about seemed somewhat random.

“Hey Nathan!” a loud voice resounded to his right.

“Luke,” Nathan said as he turned and nodded to the man.

That was an awkward nod if I’ve ever seen one. He’s a bloody farmer and what? Five, six years younger than you? Get your shit together.

It didn’t help that the man was around twice his size, his clothes barely containing the muscles below.

[Farmer – lvl 28]

“Did you see?” Luke asked as he approached, touching his shoulder.

“We just finished our combat lesson. I didn’t have time yet to check, what is it?” he asked.

Luke grinned and took several steps back. “Classes are canceled this afternoon. We are to gather in the lowest training hall.”

That was indeed some news. “What do you think?”

“What else would it be. Lilith! The dark shadow, clad in ash with wings to darken the suns themselves! She will grace our presence!” Luke exclaimed in a mocking tone.

Some of the other students looked up from their meals or books, some smiling while others seemed annoyed.

“Or they’re going to sacrifice us in some ritual,” Nathan suggested in a whisper.

“Didn’t you work for her before? Show some trust at least. I’m pretty sure this isn’t a scam,” Luke said.

“I worked in a store owned by her, as did many who joined. Doesn’t mean I ever met her. Nor that she is trustworthy. She is rich, that much is sure,” Nathan said and checked the noticeboard.

They had all gotten high quality clothes, good beds and the food was otherworldly. Sometimes that was.

“This is directly from Trian. Sounds good,” Nathan said after reading through the short notice.

Luke stepped up to him and whispered, “Some say he’s a blood mage, you know?”

“And what’s that supposed to mean? Not every blood mage is automatically a monster,” he replied and stepped towards one of the empty tables in the hall.

It was obvious that this place had been furnished rather recently. That should also explain why the food came at different times and how the teachers talked about a variety of subjects in single lessons.

He would have left already if this wasn’t the only place in Ravenhall that offered training in healing. Lilith’s name being attached had certainly helped convince him to join in the first place.

“All I hear from you two is fucking complaining. You get your own room, a bed, clothes and good food. What more could you ever want in life,” Celeste said as she joined the two with a plate piled up high with meat, potatoes and bread, all drenched in gravy.

“Don’t you think it’s weird though? Every store, inn and restaurant associated with the name Lilith is well run and generally of good quality. We’re not learning about a Class at all. Nobody is even a healer here,” Nathan said.

The woman shrugged and started eating, replying with a full mouth. “As I said, food, beds and all. Plus, the training is amazing. I’m pretty sure Sidney is a Shadow.”

“How would you know? Just because we’re in Ravenhall doesn’t mean every other high level warrior you see is a Shadow,” Luke said.

“Just a feeling. I’ve lived on the streets here long enough to be able to tell,” she said.

“I wanted to ask you before…,” Nathan started, looking around as the words got stuck in his throat.

“Spit it out rich boy,” she said in between bites, barely looking at him.

“Is it true, the demon summoning?” he finally asked.

“Maybe you shouldn’t-” Luke said.

He was interrupted by Celeste holding up a piece of bone. “Why? It happened. Nearly everyone died. I hid for weeks in the underground. Good thing the demons had a shit nose and eyes. The rats were a worse threat.”

“They say if a demon kills you, your corpse stands up again and becomes one of them,” Nathan said.

The stories that had reached his village had been horrifying. And fascinating.

“I didn’t see that. But there were a lot of them… more than I saw at the beginning. And there were no corpses. Could just be they ate everyone,” Celeste explained as she bit into a juicy chicken leg.

“Do you three mind if I sit here?” a new voice joined them, a woman with striking blue eyes, long black hair in a single braid falling down her back. She wore simple but high quality clothes.

Nathan felt the hair on his neck stand up but he didn’t exactly know why.

[Healer – lvl ??]

Ah, she’s a high level too.

“Finally, a fucking healer,” Celeste said with a grin. “You’re a new teacher? Nice to meet you. Celeste,” she said and offered her greasy hand.

The woman smiled and sat down, grabbing the hand as she placed down a plate even more stacked than Celeste’s.

“I’m a substitute teacher or something,” the woman said and started eating. “Nice to meet you all,” she said after swallowing.

Celeste eyed her plate but soon focused onto her own again.

“I don’t think it’s true,” Luke said.

“What?” Nathan asked.

“That people rise again after a demon kills them,” he clarified.

“I’ve seen it happen,” the woman spoke, surprising the three.

“Really?” Nathan asked. “How could they be defeated then?”

“The demon was only level fifty after it rose. Still dangerous but it was killed by a brave warrior right after,” she said.

Celeste snorted.

“Great. Just what I expected,” the girl said.

Nathan could have sworn he saw a smile twitch on the healer’s mouth.

“Will you teach us your Class?” Luke asked.

“No. It’s a rare one. I doubt any of you could learn it. The pay is good though so I agreed. I’ll show you some healing magic at the very least,” the woman said.

She doesn’t look much older than me. Still feels like she’s ancient.

“Do you know what the assembly is about?” Nathan asked her.

“Assembly?” the healer asked.

“It’s probably about the new healer they managed to hire,” Celeste said and nodded her way. “In half an hour or so. Lowest level of this castle.”

“Not exactly a castle, is it?” Luke asked.

“I believe it was a joke,” Nathan said.

The healer leaned forward and smiled. “Tell me, what do you think of this place? I’m not sure if I want to get stuck here, even with the pay.”

“It’s… new. It’s supposedly owned by Lilith,” Luke said. “The food is good, the classes are interesting and I’ve learned more about fighting than I did in my eighteen years.”

“You’re a fucking farmer, Luke. Of course you don’t know shit about fighting,” Celeste said with a chuckle.

“Who’s Lilith?” the healer asked.

“You’re not from around here then?” Luke said with a smile. “She’s the greatest there ever was! Providing employment to thousands. She’s the richest and most beautiful woman in existence, her ashen wings are legendary. I’m pretty sure she’s a Shadow too. Never met her though. A mystery really.” His voice indicated he was joking.

Nathan looked at the healer before his eyes opened wide. He watched her glance at him, her eyes ice. Something in his brain told him to run but all he could do was sit there, anything he would have wanted to say got stuck.

It’s her!

A random healer suddenly appearing before an assembly? The first of its kind? It has to be.

Stay calm, he thought and found her attention was back on Luke.

The man was babbling about the legend that was Lilith.

“… wings powerful and righteous, she landed to defend the weak!” he sang, getting boos from the people sitting somewhat close. His voice really wasn’t the best.

“Do you have a singing skill?” the woman asked.

“Not yet. I won’t let them discourage me!” Luke exclaimed.

She laughed. “Don’t. I’ve seen miracles happen. Yours might just come true.”

Nathan had a hard time breathing. Right until she touched his shoulder. Something warm flowed into him, his mind calming down immediately.

“Are you alright? You looked a little pale,” she said.

“He has his moments. The scars should tell you enough,” Celeste said.

“Don’t,” Luke hissed.

The girl rolled her eyes and continued eating in silence.

“It’s alright. You calmed down, right?” the healer said.

Nathan nodded. It felt wrong. He touched his neck, could feel the skin, burnt and disfigured. “I’m… fine,” he said.